In some cases, after the file is on your computer, it begins to wonder how to change the file type?Sometimes this action helps to open files that have not wanted to "open" even their "native" applications.Also, many advanced users learn file types and their extensions in order to optimize the performance of individual applications and the computer in general.Let's look at how to change the file type correctly, and when all is worth doing it.
To begin to answer the question, what is a file extension?Extension (or type, format) file called code letters following the name of each file after the point, the right of the name.For example, a file called setup.exe file extension «exe» indicates that the file belongs to the executable, and the file image.jpg by expanding «jpg» belongs to the graphic files.In some cases, you should not even think about how to change the file type, for example, the file image.jpg, which refers to the graphic type, can never become an executable file.
But sometimes change the file extension can greatly affect its performance.For example, when downloading video from the Internet, many of them are automatically saved in a format flv, which in quality can greatly inferior to other video format - mp4 and mpeg.
In many cases, the question of how to change the file type, can not stand at all - it is enough to simply rename the file by changing the name of the particle after the point.It's enough to just find the desired file, select it by clicking the left mouse button, and then press F2 (or select the menu after right-clicking the function "Rename").After that you need to change the old to the new file extension and the file will automatically change its type.Such a decision would be helpful in the case described above with video files that have an extension flv, or if after downloading from Internet file extension htm or html, but in fact is a video file or archive (rar or zip).
Sometimes the file name extension is not specified.How to change the file type in such a case?To do this, you must specify in the settings of the operating system type mapping file or use one of the file manager.
To specify the settings in the Windows display extensions, you must go to the "Start" menu and select "Control Panel."If the system is enabled display files "Style by categories" you must first go to the "Appearance and Themes".The next step in both cases is necessary to choose "Folder Options" and the tab "View" uncheck called "Hide extensions for known file types."After that, in the name of each file will be displayed and its type.
To change the settings of layout and display of files before you change the file type, you can use the file manager, for example, the popular program «Total Commander».The program type is always displayed in the second column, and it can be changed very easy - just press a combination of the two keys «Shift + F6».
However, be aware that by simply changing the extension can be changed, not all file types.For example, type pdf file after the above-described manipulation simply cease to open up its standard and its application can not open other programs.To change the types of certain files, you can take advantage of special programs, which are called converters.These programs are specifically designed to change certain types of files, enabling the user to view and edit them using other applications.
